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Art and Design - Level 3 Extended Diploma at Isle of Man College

Course description

The Extended Diploma in Art and Design is an exciting course if you are interested in or currently studying art and design, photography, textiles, design technology or ICT. This course is equivalent to 3 A Levels grade C or above and is an alternative way to progress to university: providing the vital bridge between school and university, helping students to become an independent thinker and practitioner.

Students have the opportunity to work in the following subject areas Painting and Drawing, Textiles, Ceramics, 3D Design, Fashion, Graphic design, Photography, Jewellery, Art History and Illustration.

We treat each student as an individual and help them to develop their own unique strengths to find an exciting career. The natural progression from the Extended Diploma course is to Higher Education either on Island or in the UK. Our students' breadth of experience and portfolio give them a definite advantage over A Level students when it comes to UCAS applications and interviews. Higher education is not the only option on completion of their studies as many of our students gain employment in industry, here on the Isle of Man, setting up independent businesses or working for professional agencies.

Course content

Year One you'll be introduced to the priniples of art design and media theory, plus technical and practical skills. You will explore and experiment in relation to design briefs, to help you choose a specialism. You will finish the year with real-life projects with external organisations and will exhibit your work in the end of year show.

Year Two you will be stretched and challenged as you extend your knowledge and experience of the disciplines within which you are working. You will prepare for degree-level study by becoming increasingly independent. You will be fully supported by staff with your higher education application interviews and producing a portfolio. You will be working with subject specialist briefs through the year and will produce a final major project which you will exhibit in an end of year exhibition.

Entry requirements

Most of our students have completed GCSEs and are interested in a career in art, design or media, but aren't sure exactly where their interests lie. Perhaps their school didn't offer the courses or facilities they wanted, or they didn't want to do other subjects. Sometimes they're just ready to leave school.

We look for at least 4 GCSEs at A*-C (must include English & Maths), but we also attract students with large numbers of high grade GCSEs or AS Levels. We expect to see a portfolio of your work at interview. Students who don't achieve the entry qualifications will be able to study the Level 2 First Certificate in Art and Design, a year long programme that enables you to progress onto the Extended Diploma.

Assessment

The course is based on continual assessment approximately every six weeks and takes the form of an exhibition of the work completed during this period. At the end of the course you will produce a final project which demonstrates your skills and creativity in your chosen specialist discipline. This body of work is displayed in the end of year exhibition. You will also produce through the course a portfolio of work for progression onto a higher education course or employment.

Financial information

There will also be the opportunity to go on a week's educational visit to London in November and a day trip to Manchester looking at different museums, galleries, exhibitions and various universities. The cost for London is approximately £380 per person and the day trip to Manchester is approximately £30 per person. Costs are yet to be confirmed.

Future opportunities

Higher Education.

Employment.

How to apply

If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Isle of Man College directly.